CHINA AND RUSSIA

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXI, Issue 18967, 19 March 1924, Page 5

CHINA AND RUSSIA

HITCH IN RESUMPTION AGREEMENT. Received March 18, 9.40 p.m. PEKING, March 17. Despite the affirmative decision reported, Cabinet to-day declined to ratify the Chino-Russian recognition agreement, the reason being dissatisfaction with the Note setting March 19 as the time limit for China’s signature, and declaring that Russia would thereafter be released from her promises. This is deemed an affront to China, but it is understood that Cabinet was prepared to ratify the agreement on March 20. Meanwhile the Russian press declares that foreign diplomatic pressure is responsible for China’s failure to ratify. (It was cabled from Peking on the 13th that, acting under instructions from the President, Tsao Kun, the Cabinet had decided to sign within a week an agreement with Russia covering the principles of full resumption of formal relations. The agreement was intended to allow China to redeem the Chinese Eastern Railway, and also provides for joint control until the purchase price is paid. Russia agrees to evacuate Mongolia and renounce extra-territorial rights.)